Why join the course?

The Zika virus is suspected to be the cause of cases of microcephaly in newborns in South America, and this outbreak has now been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization. With global attention towards this disease increasing rapidly, it is becoming clear that there is limited knowledge around how the carriers, or vectors, of Zika, are best avoided and controlled.

Focus on the Zika virus

This free online course will begin by considering the science behind the outbreak to try to understand where the Zika virus has come from, its symptoms, and its effect on infected individuals. Our attention will then turn towards the vector primarily responsible for transmission of Zika: the Aedes mosquito.

Explore the biology of Aedes mosquitoes

We will introduce the Aedes mosquito and examine its lifecycle, behaviour, and distribution across the world, before reflecting upon the important role it plays in spreading Zika virus. Without a vaccine, prevention and control relies on reducing numbers of mosquitoes and the contact they have with people, so an understanding of the biology of Aedes is vital.

Discover vector control methods

A range of methods employed to control the Aedes mosquito will be highlighted, including the use, importance, and suitability of repellents, impregnated clothing, larval control, insecticide spraying, and insecticide treated nets. The vectors of Zika virus also transmit dengue, yellow fever and the chikungunya virus, meaning there is potential to apply these techniques in other settings.

Learn together and from those on the front line in South America

Learners will come from all over the world with their own diverse experiences and interests. You will have the opportunity to exchange thoughts and ideas through course discussion, and hear first-hand accounts from experts and individuals working in the field in South America. Contributors include:

Dr Mary Cameron, Reader in Medical Entomology

Dr Jo Lines, Reader of Malaria Control and Vector Biology

Professor Laura Rodrigues, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and working with the Microcephaly Epidemic Research Group in Brazil

About ARCTEC

ARCTEC is an integral part of the Department of Disease Control at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and a world-leading independent test centre for consultancy and the evaluation and development of arthropod pest control technologies.

0:14Skip to 0 minutes and 14 secondsThere's an ongoing outbreak of the Zika virus which began in 2015 in Brazil and follows an outbreak in French Polynesia in 2013. For most people infection causes short lived and mild symptoms, however in these recent outbreaks a medical condition in newborns called microcephaly has been associated with Zika, as well as additional neurological and auto immune complications.

0:22Skip to 0 minutes and 22 seconds I'm James Logan, Senior Lecturer in Medical Entomology, and I'm the Lead Educator for Preventing the Zika Virus: Understanding and Controlling the Aedes Mosquito. I'm also the Director of arctec at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, where we develop and evaluate technologies aimed at controlling insects and other arthropods, particularly those of medical importance. We've gathered information and resources from experts in entomology, medicine, and public health. The course uses videos, articles, and discussions to introduce you to the Zika virus and the recent outbreaks into context with other vector borne diseases. Where has Zika could come from, what role does the Aedes mosquito have in its transmission, and, most importantly, how can we control it?

1:28Skip to 1 minute and 28 secondsThe course is suitable for you if you are healthcare professional or working in a health organisation, a student taking a healthcare or science related degree, a public health advisor, anyone working in control programs for vector borne diseases, or anyone with an interest in learning about the Zika virus and the Aedes mosquito. It will last for three weeks, with each week focusing on a different topic from the virus itself, to the mosquito vector, and finally the control tools that are available.

What topics will you&nbspcover?

The origins and history of the Zika virus and 2015/16 outbreak, including an introduction to vector transmission

Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Zika virus disease

Zika in the context of other vector-borne diseases globally and the world’s ability to prepare for epidemics

The Aedes mosquito and its lifecycle, behaviours, characteristics, and global distribution

The importance of counting and surveying mosquito populations

Vector control methods targeted towards immature and adult mosquitoes, in addition to the challenges faced and novel interventions

Current strategies for the control of Aedes and prevention of Zika

Areas in which future research and support efforts should be targeted.

When would you like to&nbspstart?

Available now

18 September 2017

Date to be announced

What will you&nbspachieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

Describe the origins, symptoms, and broader effects of the Zika virus in the context of the current outbreak

Reflect upon the biology of the Aedes mosquito, considering its lifecycle, behaviours, and characteristics, and what these mean for vector control efforts

Evaluate key methods used to control the Aedes mosquito at both a community and household level

Who is the course&nbspfor?

This course is designed for anyone with an interest in learning about Zika virus vector control. It is relevant to workers newly drafted into vector control work, NGO employees in affected countries, students taking a healthcare or science-related degree, medical students and postgraduates wishing to complement their studies, and academic staff in aligned disciplines.

If you’re taking a course for free you have access to the course for its duration + 14 days, regardless of when you join. If you upgrade the course you have access for as long as the course exists on FutureLearn.